Hormone indicating growth problems in later pregnancy

[charliekay]

Ok so I had the quad test done due to a failed nt scan and all came back as low risk for Down syndrome. Today I received a letter from the hospital saying that the bloods taken for the quad test have shown a hormone that may indicate restricted growth of the baby later in pregnancy and they want me to go for an extra scan at 23 weeks at the placenta clinic. It say on the letter not to be alarmed as it's very rare but they want to check anyway but I can't help but worry I've googled but can't find anything about a hormone linked to placenta problems or restricted growth. I'm so worried and I've got a whole month to wait until my appointment. Has anyone else had anything like this?

 

[MemmaJ]

Sounds like they're talking about PAPP-A, which can be linked to restricted growth and placental function later on but as they said, more often than not, it's all ok

Mid trimester scan is the usual next step as it will be much more accurate then, so that's why it has to be then (unfortunately!). Based on what they see/measure on the scan, they'll either arrange more scans (usually every 4 weeks) - which still may not mean anything is 'wrong', they may jury want to keep a closer eye on it - or reassure that it's all fine and you do not need any further follow up.

If you google 'low PAPP-A' you should find some helpful info

 

[charliekay]

Thank you for the reply. I've just googled PAPP-A and already feel abit calmer about the situation. It appear many women go on to have normal pregnancies and carry to full term. Fingers crossed. I just wish the hospital wouldn't be so vague when sending out letters like this I went into complete panic mode x

 

[SweetV]

I had my placental scan today because I am considered high risk and my PAPP results were lost. I'm sure everything is ok for you, they just want to make sure.

 

[charliekay]

How was the scan? Is it like a normal scan but mainly looking at placenta as that's what I have to go for at 23 weeks x

 

[SweetV]

yep. They look at blood flow and took a good look at baby for my own peace of mind. It was a lot faster than my anatomy scan (maybe 20 minutes max). They showed me exactly where my placenta was situated (I have an anterior), looked at where the umbilical cord connected to placenta and took some measurements that looked like heartbeats but was for blood flowing through placenta and umbilical cord.
Again they are probably just trying to cover all bases so I wouldn't be too worried. It's a great time to see LO again

 

[charliekay]

Thank you I was abit nervous as didn't know what to expect but I'll just try to look at it as another chance to have a peek at our lil one thanks again for the reply xx